‘The honeymoon will never be over,’ answered Mary, joyously ’Our wedded life is to be one long honeymoon.  But I will come back in a very few days, and take care of you.  I am not going to let you do without me, now that you have learnt to love me.’

’And will you be content to stay with me when your husband has gone to London?’

’Yes, but I shall try to prevent his going very often, or staying very long.  I shall try to wind myself into his heart, so that there will be an aching void there when we are parted.’

Lady Maulevrier proceeded to tell Mary all her arrangements.  Three handsome rooms in the east wing, a bedroom, dressing-room, and boudoir, were to be made ready for the newly-married, couple.  Fraeulein Mueller was to be dismissed with a retiring pension, in order that Lady Mary and her husband might feel themselves master and mistress in the lower part of the house.

’And if your husband really means to devote himself to literature, he can have no better workshop than the library I have put together,’ said Lady Maulevrier.

’And no better adviser and guide than you, dear grandmother, you who have read everything that has been written worth reading during the last half century.’

’I have read a great deal, Mary, but I hardly know if I am any wiser on that account,’ answered Lady Maulevrier.  ’After all, however much of other people’s wisdom we may devour, it is in ourselves that we are thus, or thus.  Our past follies rise up against us at the end of life; and we see how little our book-learning has helped us to stand against foolish impulses, against evil passions.  “Be good,” Mary, “and let who will be wise,” as the poet says.  A faithful heart is your only anchor in the stormy seas of life.  My dear, I am so glad you are going to be married.’

‘It is very sudden,’ said Mary.

’Very sudden; yet in your case that does not much matter.  You have quite made up your mind about Mr. Hammond, I believe.’

‘Made up my mind!  I began to worship him the first night he came here.’

’Foolish child.  Well, there is no deed to wait for settlements.  You have only your allowance as Lord Maulevrier’s daughter—­a first charge on the estate, which cannot be made away with or anticipated, and of which no husband can deprive you.’

‘He shall have every sixpence of it,’ murmured Mary.

’And Mr. Hammond, though he tells me he is better off than I supposed, can have nothing to settle.  So there will be nothing forfeited by a marriage without settlements.’

Mary could not enter upon the question.  It was even of less importance than the wedding gown.

The gong sounded for luncheon.

’Steadman’s dogcart is to take Mr. Hammond to the station at half-past two,’ said Lady Maulevrier, ’so you had better go and give him his luncheon.’

Mary needed no second bidding.  She flew downstairs, and met her lover in the hall.